IU Trustees select Dr. Adam W. Herbert as 17th president
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University trustees today (June 5) unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Adam W. Herbert as the 17th president of the university.
Herbert will begin his tenure on August 1. 
Herbert, a longtime leader in the Florida higher education system, currently is Regents Professor and the executive director of The Florida Center for Public Policy and Leadership at the University of North Florida (UNF). He served as the president of UNF for nearly 10 years, from 1989 to 1998.
From 1998 to 2001, Herbert led the nation's second-largest university system, serving as the sixth chancellor of the State University System of Florida. He oversaw a higher education system with a $5 billion budget and 250,000 students.
"It is a privilege for me to introduce Dr. Herbert as our 17th president. He is the right man to lead our great university at this important time," said Frederick F. Eichhorn Jr., president of the board. "He brings an unqualified depth of experience and knowledge to this presidency. He understands the importance of our complex research university, previously serving as the chancellor of a major system, and he knows how critical it is for Indiana University to help lead the state through a period of economic transformation. Dr. Herbert already knows our university well, and I'm very pleased with his selection."
Herbert is the founding director of The Florida Center for Public Policy and Leadership, which focuses interdisciplinary research efforts on important public policy challenges in the state. Among issues at the forefront of the center's work are public education, criminal justice, the study of children and families, the environment and health care.
"As I've spent time talking to trustees, members of the search committee, and many others to learn about Indiana, I've marveled at the talent we have throughout this institution and am very proud of our reputation as a leading national research university," said Herbert. "It is a privilege for me to be selected to lead this university. I look forward to quickly developing relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, local and state officials, business leaders and others to continue the outstanding work that is taking place throughout the institution.
"I am strongly committed to enhancing public and private partnerships and supporting the strategic initiatives of the university in the life sciences, information technology and the arts.
"My wife, Karen, and I look forward to our move to Indiana and to traveling throughout the state. We're eager to visit with our new colleagues at IU's regional campuses, and, of course, at IUPUI," Herbert said.
Trustee Stephen Ferguson, who served as the chair of the 17-member search committee, said the group began its quest for a new president armed with an extensive list of desired qualities collected from individuals who participated in focus groups early in the search process.
"We sought an individual with unquestionable integrity and exemplary leadership skills. We wanted a president who could demonstrate knowledge of IU's traditions, someone who understood complex higher education institutions, and who possessed an appreciation for the mission of a research institution. We sought candidates who could raise money, promote academic and cultural excellence, and serve as an advocate and champion of diversity," said Ferguson. "We've unquestionably found that person in Adam Herbert. As the search committee immersed itself in its work, it became clear very quickly that Dr. Herbert had the right combination of skills and experience."
Robert Eno, immediate former president of the Bloomington Faculty Council and a member of the search committee, endorsed the appointment.
"From a faculty standpoint, I think this is a great appointment. Adam Herbert has shown a clear commitment to outstanding research and teaching, and his successes in Florida relate very closely to the tasks of leading a multi-campus university and building a relationship with state and private sectors that enhances quality across the board," Eno said. "He's an impressive communicator, and he'll bring tremendous energy to the university and the state."
Herbert was born in Muskogee, Okla., in 1943, and earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Southern California in 1966. He continued his education at USC, earning his master of public administration degree a year later. Herbert earned his doctor of philosophy degree in urban affairs and public administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971.
He began his professional career as a faculty member in the USC School of Public Administration and the Center for Urban Affairs. He moved to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in 1972, serving as the chair of the urban affairs program and associate professor of urban affairs. He was named one of 15 White House Fellows in 1974 and served as special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and then to the U.S. Undersecretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Following positions at the Joint Center for Political Studies in Washington, D.C., and a return to Virginia Tech as professor of public administration and as the first director of Northern Virginia Programs for the University's Center for Public Administration and Policy, Herbert joined the Florida university system. He accepted appointment in 1979 as professor of public administration at Florida International University in Miami, and from that time until 1989 also held various posts as dean of the School of Public Affairs and Services, associate vice president for academic affairs and vice president of the North Miami campus. He began his role as president of the University of North Florida in 1989.
"Adam Herbert is a great academic leader. His leaving is a significant loss for Florida and UNF," said A. David Kline, UNF interim president. "He has the knowledge, talents and skills to lead one of America's great public universities. I have no doubt Indiana University will thrive under his leadership."
Herbert also has held a number of local and national leadership positions, including president of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. He also was elected to membership in the National Academy of Public Administration and has served two terms as a member of its board. He was a member of the Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics in 2001 and previously served as chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division II Presidents Council. He served as the chair of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce in 1993. In addition, he chaired the transition team for Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in 1998 and was co-chair of Gov. Bush's Reading Priority Transition Team for Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002-03. Currently, he is Florida's Commissioner on the Education Commission of States and is a member of the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission.
According to the terms of the five-year employment agreement, Herbert's compensation package includes a base annual salary of $335,000, which includes $280,000 from university funds and $55,000 from IU Foundation funds; annual deferred compensation of $70,000; use of the Bryan House residence on the Bloomington campus and Lilly House in Indianapolis; provision of a car each for him and his wife; and standard employee benefits. In addition, IU trustees are discussing with Herbert arrangements as to how he would continue to assist the university upon his retirement.
As the spouse of the president, Karen Herbert also will work in an official capacity for the university. She will be paid an annual salary of $60,000 and will carry out such responsibilities as representing IU as a speaker or participant in higher education organizations, overseeing the staff, operations and expenditures associated with the presidential residences, and hosting university and other functions.
Herbert will replace Dr. Myles Brand, who left the university in December 2002 to become president of the National College Athletic Association. Dr. Gerald Bepko, previously the chancellor of IUPUI, has served as IU's interim president since January. He will continue as interim president through July 31.
Indiana University Makes History
Linear Mode
